Jerusalem Day

Jerusalem Day is an Israeli national holiday marking the reunification of East and West Jerusalem after the 1967 Six-Day War. Celebrated annually across Israel on the 28th of Iyar in the Hebrew calendar, it features state ceremonies, memorials, and a prominent flag parade in Jerusalem.

• Celebrated on 28 Iyar in the Hebrew calendar
• Dance of Flags parade fills Jerusalem’s streets
• Marks reunification of East and West Jerusalem in 1967
• Special prayers recited in synagogues
• Official ceremonies held across Israel

What it is

Jerusalem Day, known in Hebrew as Yom Yerushaláyim, commemorates the moment in 1967 when Israeli forces took control of East Jerusalem, bringing the entire city under Israeli rule for the first time since 70 CE. For many Israelis, the day is a symbol of national unity and a reaffirmation of Jerusalem’s central place in Jewish history and identity. The holiday is marked by both official ceremonies and community gatherings, reflecting its significance as a moment of both historical and spiritual importance, especially among Religious Zionists who see it as the restoration of access to the Western Wall and other holy sites.

Where it comes from

The origins of Jerusalem Day lie in the aftermath of the Six-Day War in June 1967, when Israeli forces captured East Jerusalem from Jordan. This event ended nearly two decades of division in the city, which had been split between Israel and Jordan since the 1948 Arab–Israeli War. The Israeli government proclaimed Jerusalem Day as a new holiday in 1968, choosing the 28th of Iyar—the Hebrew date of the city's reunification. Over time, the day gained official status through legislation and became a focal point for national and religious expression, particularly for those who view the reunification as a fulfillment of historical and spiritual longing.

How it is celebrated

The most visible celebration is the Dance of Flags parade, where thousands of mainly young Israelis march through Jerusalem’s streets, waving flags and singing, often accompanied by mobile orchestras playing Hasidic music. The parade winds from Gan Sacher, through downtown, and into the Old City, culminating in prayers at the Western Wall. State ceremonies and memorial services are held throughout Israel, and Religious Zionist communities mark the day with special prayers, including Hallel. While the parade is festive for many, it has also become controversial, with reports of confrontational chants and tensions in some years. For participants, the day is an opportunity to express national pride and religious connection to Jerusalem.

Joining in

If you visit Jerusalem on this day, expect large crowds, especially in the city center and Old City. The Dance of Flags parade is the main public event, drawing thousands of participants and onlookers. Streets are often closed for the procession, and music fills the air as groups make their way to the Western Wall. Visitors should be prepared for a lively, sometimes intense atmosphere, and should be mindful of the sensitivities and heightened security in the city during the celebrations.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Jerusalem Day, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Jerusalem Day on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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